Beachcruzer

Hello, new here and wanted to chime in on the "budget" thread. I generally shoot for around $100 per day like most of you here. I recently scored an 18-day Australia/NZ/South Pacific/Hawaii for $2200, and that is a studio balcony on Ovation. Have Alaska, Baltic, Med and a TA for next year. I have a bad habit!

Nancy

$100 is a good price point for me too. I also have a bad habit.:D

Hi! I've never sailed solo before, but I just booked an OV Guarantee on Celebrity with the drink package and some OBC from my TA and a future cruise certificate for less than $1,200. It may not be the best bargain out there, but I'm happy.

Thanks for all the tips and cruise bargain alerts! If this cruise goes well, I may want to go solo again!:)

Thanks for some good ideas of new things to try in Barcelona when I'm there next year. :D Looks like you gave Penelope a great sampling of Barcelona! :D I've been three times, but find new things to explore each visit!

That definitely wasn't the normal Tutti salad bar. I wish we had known they were doing something extra special and we would have gone. We did enjoy a fabulous fruit bar up at the Windjammer though with fresh baby pineapples, mangoes, blueberries, blackberries, star fruit, and tons of other stuff including some stuff I didn't even know what it was! We enjoyed our lunch sitting outside at the back of the Windjammer while sailing by Stromboli. We got a kick out of the couple sitting at the next table because the husband didn't believe his wife who insisted that Stromboli really was an active volcano and she could see the smoke. He kept insisting it was just fog. Once we got to that side of the island, we could easily see just where that smoke was coming from and he finally admitted she was right. ;) Beautiful temperature out there too!

It was definitely a scorcher out there that day! :eek:

We definitely missed that little short cut and took the super long way back to the ship. Sure wish we knew that little tip before we changed directions. I actually looked for someone to ask for directions, but didn't see anyone so we just followed everyone else. We never saw any of those signs for the cable car or donkey trails - just lots of narrow paths between stores. At least they were in the shade! I would have loved to have seen that view and been above the cable car instead of walking up to get to it! :o

With only about 2-3 minutes of walking up the path of stairs, a main square is reached with a beautiful church. It was not open to the public, would've loved to have seen inside, however I also noted the promenade path ahead with what would be my first view of the caldera looking back to Fira, so that peaked my interest more!

And finally, the first view from Oia.

It was here that I posted this "OMG" in real time lol

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=53920760&highlight=OMG#post53920760

Here's another view as a panorama.... you can clearly see Jewel waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay off in the distance.

Take note of the distance by following the cliff, for those wishing to walk/hike the entire way on a path from Fira to OIa (supposedly about 2 hours with no stopping).

I'm enjoying reliving our cruise through your review and accompanying pictures. Santorini was truly a beautiful place! I don't think I could have made the walk between Oia and Fira in that heat though! Thank goodness for the bus! Even if we did end up taking a long walk around finding our way back to the ship! ;)

I hope you were able to find your Lemoncello at the airport. I'm definitely going to look next time I travel over that way. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful pictures! Hope you made it home safely! :)

We brought home a bottle of Lemoncello, but it's not the best I've ever had. I'm going to look around here and see if I can find this brand! 😀

I know your trip is soon nearing the end. Have a safe trip home!

Sounds like you had a great second week on the Jewel! Sorry you had such terrible weather there towards the end of your vacation. We were lucky and had gorgeous weather! Happy belated birthday! :D

Another awesome review, Claudio! :D:D:D Thanks for all the pictures and advice on the ABC Islands. I can't wait to see them in just a few weeks! :)

Heck ya!! ... let me know when you start planning ;)... try to urge a few others to join like Merion_Mom is doing in 2017. Btw, would have to be Explorer all the way (not Radiance Class) for my personal tastes... and even better if they decide to bring Q or Ovation over within the next few years!!!!... sigh... I know, I know... I'm dreamin' :rolleyes:

If RCL ever decided on Q Class comng over I'd have to pull a "Mario" and work from my on-board office for a few months :eek::D:D

I'll definitely let you know because I'll want to pick your brain for tips and advice. 😀 We don't have anything planned in 2017 yet, but want to do something extra special for our 30th anniversary. :D. I'd love to go on another Quantum class ship, and can't wait until we go on Anthem next year!

I really enjoyed your pics of the helicopter ride. I can't even imagine how gorgeous that must have been in real life!

Loving your pictures and the review. I can't wait to see more. I'm definitely going to have to plan a trip to Hawaii one of these years! :D:D:D

I think you'll find quite a lot of people interested in your review on the ports of call since this is not a typical Caribbean itinerary, and isn't reported often. I've been to Hawaii several times but never on a cruise so I'm looking forward to that perspective!!

 

Thanks for taking the time do do this!

I'm interested in what you've done in the ports of call too, since you always seem to do fun and exciting things. I appreciate your honest opinion on the different shore excursions and make mental notes of things I'd like to try in the future. I've never been to Hawaii so I'm really looking forward to hearing what you and Lisa did and all of the pictures. :D:D:D

This is 100% correct, they're included in your overall photo log at the photo studio (ie. with your formal pictures, etc)

 

 

 

Hmmm, I can't remember! This sounds close... my gut's telling me 4pm. Right after muster it was already getting dark'ish with sun going down Dec 1st so that's why I'm thinking 4 (not 3:30)... can anyone else reading this remember (Merion_Mom? Beachcruizer?). Regardless there's no way they'd pre-book you into that time slot if it affects muster as RCL has to suspend/close all public venues at least 1/2 hour before the drill.

 

Have an awesome cruise!! :D

I think it was 4. We had our I fly appointment right after the muster drill. :)

That's pretty cool that you actually found yourself in someone else's pictures! :D:D:D

This review does not demean other cruiser's experiences, especially those who had legitimate problems... all the photos, friends who are replying back to me on this review, daily tips, were all things that happened to me as I went through daily life on Q. Things thankfully were fantastic for me on board Q, in my top 10 cruises for sure.

 

I felt I wished to say, and repeat, a couple of strong opinions I have regarding Quantum:

 

You will not feel at home when you get on this ship.

Not one single experienced RCL cruiser I talked to felt at home right away on this ship. This ship is is unlike anything else in the RCL fleet. If you do not like change, I feel you may not like this ship. I believe this was the biggest factor with most of the complaints, the change was not good for many. I got used to everything within 3-4 days (the flow, finding my room, knowing where everything was, etc) and had an amazing cruise.

 

This ship is made for an active life-style

This ship provides for choices which you have to make.... they are not made for you. If you want the choices made for you, a care free non-thinking more sedate cruiser experience, this ship may not be for you although it has ample space for that (Solarium, indoor pool, Two70 morning & afternoon) but it is truly made to be active and enjoy all of it's amenities. Being more active also means being more in control of other facets including dining, making your own reservations, eating what you want when you want. MDR you can only eat what that single menu provides to you at the exact time you are booked, regardless of your port times or anything else. Other RCL ships are more structured... Q is more non-structured.

 

If you base your cruise experience solely on dining, then please do not book this ship

"Dynamic: (of a process or system) characterized by constant change, activity, or progress"

There had been so much untrue information prior to Quantum even sailing by CC'ers who had never even set foot on-board that it was nauseating. If your dining experience is so VERY VERY important to you that you must at all costs be seated at the same table every night, with the same waiter, with a pre-designated menu that is forced upon you with only 6-7 entrees, there is NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT... I enjoy this too :) But please if it's that important never ever book on a Quantum Class ship so that the rest of us do not have to read so much negativity. Dining was awesome for me ... everything worked. I had choices everyday. It was exciting. And I was able to choose when I didn't like a restaurant so much (Chic) to cancel and book more nights at the venue I loved (The Grande). Try cancelling your MDR on a regular ship today for one night in order to sit at an already filled table with new friends... no way I would've had meals with Merion_Mom and Laura in the old MDR. This is a MASSIVE plus for Dynamic Dining.

 

 

I went through all my 27 cruises last night (22 on RCL) and really thought about the importance of my criteria while basing my rating on each cruise....

• Quantum came in at #7 all-time with an 8.5 rating
  

( I can show you my list, I have quite a few 5's and 6's so I'm not totally a cheerleader once I really thought about each specific cruise :))

 

 

Again, thank you so much for those who have said kind words, not just at the end but throughout the review, really really nice of everyone to do that. I hope this review has helped out a few people who are sailing in the next few months to possibly be better prepared and enjoy Q rather than be upset with her. I actually think my Serenade review from Sept is better (extremely port intensive vs. ship intensive), so if any of you are thinking about a Mediterranean/Adriatic cruise, check that review out. Take care everybody :D

Thanks for an awesome and honest review, Claudio. :) There are a lot of great points about Quantum, but it definitely might not be the right ship for everyone. However, if you are lucky enough to go on the Quantum, get out there and do everything you can and enjoy every minute of it! :D

Hoopster95 - we agree with your final assessment(s). I am hoping (fingers crossed tightly) that RCI reads all the CC comments and make adjustments on the ANTHEM. The TA on the Q was a floating construction zone' date=' if you can believe so many comments.

I had the chance to spend about an hr w/Jimmy Rhodes at his coffee gathering - I know he's been challenged with this new class of vessel because activities he UsedToDo, he no longer can because of the available areas to "do activities" ...like: Quest. He said people blame him for no Quest, but asked us "where would you do it that is big enough and safe enough". nobody had an answer. So, imho, some of JR's bad press are not his fault. We found him to be as funny and as approachable as he ever was on the Explorer. With the Quantum-Class has come a new way to cruise. He is going to Asia and was a hoot sharing how he is attempting to learn the language.

you cruised with [b'] Merion_Mom[/b] and Laura? we had dinner in SILK w/derf and derfette...:D

QUESTION: was the champagne we had in GRANDE on the last night a standard offering? or was this just because it was the last night????

Both nights we ate in Grande, we were offered Champagne. :D

Claudio, Thanks so much for the awesome review and pictures. It's nice to see something from another person's perspective, especially when they're upbeat and positive. It was fun hanging out with you on Q and hopefully our cruise paths will cross again one day. :):):)

So between these shows I was hungry as it was a late lunch with a small breakfast. I fully expected to find the "normal" Sorrento's fare... sandwiches, wraps, etc. I did very very quickly look through Sorrento's day 1 while touring the ship and also a couple of other times (to grab the totally awesome and always fresh/soft chocolate chunk cookies!!!) but this time I wanted to grab a few pictures. I walked past the coffee station/cookie bar and through to the larger seating area and I was floored!....

 

I had not noticed at all, but there was a full on pizza bar over there, and not with just the cardboard thin pizza, but with fresh pick-you-own-ingredients area.

 

 

 

And into the professional pizza ovens it went

 

 

 

I had no problem waiting the 15min or so just chilling out, no rush getting anywhere today. Sorrento's was pretty much packed, very few seats available. Soon enough, the pizza was ready.

 

 

 

This is not your typical RCL Sorrento's pizza... so damn good! By far the best RCL pizza I've ever had. They finally have a good pizza station on an RCL ship. Big time thumbs up. Does this look delish or what?? Well it sure was

 

 

 

I didn't finish it as it was super filling, so I had them box up the rest and brought it up to my room after that Dreamworks 2nd show as I wanted to get ready for the Walk for Wishes

That looks awesome! I'm so jealous that I never ordered one! :o Next time!!!

I've lost track on what I did here around lunchtime, but I do remember right after skating heading to the elevators and looking up at this opening there on deck 15

 

 

 

I figured it was the entrance into the suite/gold card only access sundeck. There are also two access doors from Deck 16 Seaplex on either side. Of course not having pictures of this area, curiosity killed the cat as I walked past this sign (tsk tsk... bad D+! :rolleyes:)

 

 

 

And at the top of the stairs you find a sealed door with the swipe card or wristband access... however, I tried the door manually and it let me through (I also tried in the Seaplex and both those did not open for me)

 

 

 

And here's the Viking Crown'ish view looking forward towards the pool deck and Northstar

 

I was dying to go up there and check it out, but never did. I would eyeball that area every morning as I made my laps. Looked like an awesome place to hang out. I don't think I ever saw anyone up there. :p

Lol!... busted :p Great point, you're totally correct. I made a very large generalization to make my point. Re the HAL comment, I think both Vision & radiance classes fit this bill somewhat, although Radiance has an excellent Viking Crown/nightclub area.

 

I also wish to point out I'm on Legend next, the polar opposite of Q, and I am positive I will have a great time without IFly and everything else just soaking up the sun on the aft deck and pool deck. In fact, my 12 days on Vision last year is ranked in my top 5 ever cruises, 6 days at sea with a TON of down time on pool deck in the sun was made special by so many other factors (friends made on board, the best ever cabin in my life aft wrap around JS, Capt Srecko was a big part of this trip, etc).

Claudio, I think you'd have a great time no matter what size ship you were on because of your great attitude! :D If you choose to have a positive attitude and live life to the fullest, it makes all the difference in the world. :D People often tend to sweat the small stuff. Life is just too short to always worry about the little things. Maybe all the IT stuff on Quantum didn't work exactly as planned, but it certainly didn't stop me from having a great vacation. :)

Aaaw shucks :o! I'm just thankful you and Merion_Mom adopted me lol!

Remember the selfie you took of us in the theatre?? Hmmm... maybe not? lol, I'll be posting it :p

Oh, yeah, I remember that selfie! :D We did have some fun times for sure! :D:D

Carol said she wished she could have gotten some pictures the night of Earl Turner's show when he was standing right above us. She said the look on my face was something else! LOL :p

I love all the pictures of you doing the Ifly. You were doing great!

After dropping off my stuff in my cabin, I headed top deck with a barely charged camera, to enjoy sailaway shortly. I noticed that Northstar was operating, and going off to the sides! Having been told that Northstar would not move to the sides in port, I was surprised at this. So I headed over there.

 

 

Do you know the reason why Northstar does not move to the sides in/close to port?

I'm not sure about all ports, but in NYC they told us they had to stay within the ship's footprint.

Hi Claudio,

I'm loving your review and the pictures are awesome!!! Especially the sunset and night time shots on NorthStar. :D:D:D

We had a fabulous time on Quantum and were glad you were able to spend some time with us. We really enjoyed your company! :)

Looking forward to reading more of your review! I've never known anyone to get as much accomplished in such a short time as you. Whew!!! :p